Dell Rugged Frequently Asked Questions
Display & Touch
What display options and touch features are available?
The new Latitude Rugged Extreme family features Direct-View outdoor-readable LCD displays for
better viewability in all conditions. All clear-light screens offer glove-capable touch. On the 14” version,
that means single-point resistive touch. On the 12” version, that means resistive multi-touch for
compatibility with gestures.
How are Dell rugged displays different from those available on other notebooks?
The new Latitude Rugged Extreme family features a new Direct-View outdoor-readable LCD display
that has been optically treated to reduce reflectivity. The base LCD controls internal reflections with
various AR (anti-reflective) treatments. This helps to preserve the darker areas of the image and prevent
the image from looking “washed out.” The touchscreen layers are optically bonded to the LCD to reduce
the number of reflective surfaces (reduction of 2 reflective surfaces). Additional AG (anti-glare)
treatments are applied to the outer layers of the touchscreen.
Keyboard/Pointing Devices
How waterproof is the rugged keyboard?
The keyboard on the new Latitude Rugged Extreme family is fully-sealed against the ingress of dust and
liquids. No liquids or dust are allowed to enter the vital components inside the computer. Excess liquids
are able to drain and are directed out vents on the bottom of the system. While dust and liquids will not
damage the system or the keyboard itself, it will still be possible to dust to become trapped in the spaces
around the key caps. This dust is stilled sealed from going anywhere harmful, but may be undesirable.
For this reason, some customers may still opt for the rubberized keyboard.
What is the RGB backlight and how does it work?
The keyboard on the new Latitude Rugged Extreme family features a customizable RGB backlight. The
user can toggle between red, green, blue or white presets or choose a custom color by setting RGB values.
Additionally there is an immediate stealth mode that turns off all lights, display and fans for complete
system blackout and quietness.
Docking
How does Dell Rugged docking compare to the current E-docking system available on Latitude
notebooks?
The new Latitude Rugged Extreme family offers a brand new series of office and vehicle docks designed
from the ground-up for use in rugged environments. The durable new pogo-pin interface is nativelysealed without requiring a door for protection and can withstand rough in-vehicle usage. In addition to
the more durable interface, the new docks are adjustable for commonality across the new Rugged
Extreme family. A single dock will support both the 14” and 12” products. Note that the new series of
docks will not be compatible with the previous generation of XFR notebooks or ATG semi-rugged
notebook.
What is meant by “common docking”?
Starting with this new Latitude Rugged Extreme family, there will be a commonality of docking solutions
for the desk and in-vehicle. This means that whether you are using a Latitude 12 Rugged Extreme or a
Latitude 14 Rugged Extreme, the same dock can be used. The same docking commonality will remain
consistent for at least 3 generations of rugged product moving forward. This is a Dell competitive
advantage. (note, the Dell Rugged docking design is not compatible with Latitude business class
notebooks)
Networking & Communications
What GPS options are supported?
The new Latitude Rugged Extreme family has available SiRFstarV dedicated GPS with dedicated
antennae for improved location accuracy and resolution.
The E6420 XFR offers two different GPS options –1) A dedicated GPS chip based on SIRFstarIV and 2)
GPS functionality embedded as part of the GOBI WWAN card. The dedicated GPS (SIRFstar) chip has
dedicated antennae in the XFR and incorporates enhanced technologies not found in the GOBI based
GPS module, such as SBAS (Satellite Based Augmentation Systems) to improve location accuracy and
resolution.
What mobile broadband capabilities are available on Dell Rugged platforms?
The new Latitude Rugged Extreme family has available 4G/LTE GOBI 5000 mobile broadband in the US
and Canada. In the US, customers can choose between AT&T, Verizon or Sprint and Roger or Telus in
Canada. Elsewhere in the world, an HSPA+ card will be available.
Can I upgrade the mobile broadband card in my device?
Latitude Rugged Extreme systems configured without mobile broadband still have the necessary antennas
and SIM card slot to support the WWAN card in case it is added at a later date.
What is the difference between the Dedicated GPS option and the GPS functionality integrated in
the GOBI WWAN card?
The new Latitude Rugged Extreme family has available SiRFstarV dedicated GPS. GPS capability is also
available through the 4G/LTE GOBI 5000 WWAN card. However, the SiRFstarV card with dedicated
antennae is recommended for improved location accuracy and resolution. All catalog configurations with
WWAN also have the dedicated SiRFstarV card.
Ports & I/O
What ports are available on Dell Rugged?
Latitude 14 Rugged Extreme - 2 USB 3.0, 2 USB 2.0, 2 Serial (native), HDMI, 2 RJ-45, VGA, SD Card
Reader, Express Card Reader or PC Card Reader
Latitude 12 Rugged Extreme - 2 USB 3.0, 1 USB 2.0, 1 Serial (native), HDMI, RJ-45, VGA, SD Card
Reader, Express Card Reader* or PC Card Reader*
* Configuring either Express or PC Card reader on the Latitude 12 Rugged Extreme will replace the SD
Card Reader and one USB 3.0 port
Is there a removable optical drive bay?
No. The Latitude 14 Rugged Extreme has an available fixed optical drive and the Latitude 12 Rugged
Extreme does not have an optical drive option.
What is a native serial port?
Yes. The Latitude 14 Rugged Extreme has two fully-native serial ports (not USB-based) and the Latitude
12 Rugged Extreme has one fully-native serial port.
Power & Battery
What kind of battery life can my customer expect on Dell Rugged?
The Latitude 14 Rugged Extreme will have up to 10 hours of battery life with the standard 6-cell battery
or up to 15 hours with the available 9-cell battery. The Latitude 12 Rugged Extreme will have up to 8.5
hours of battery life with the standard 4-cell battery.
What kind of power adapter is included with my customer’s notebook?
The Latitude 14 Rugged Extreme will come with a 65W adapter for UMA systems and a 90W adapter for
systems with discrete graphics. The Latitude 12 Rugged Extreme will come with a 65W adapter. If
certification to MIL-STD-461F is required, a 461F-compliant adapter will be available for purchase on
Dell S&P (the system is fully compliant with MIL-STD-461F but a special adapter will be required for
full certification).
Will a modular bay battery be available for Dell Rugged?
The Latitude Rugged Extreme does not have a modular bay. However, thanks to the power-efficiency of
Intel’s new fourth-generation ULT chips and the available 9-cell battery on the Latitude 14 Rugged
Extreme, battery life will be longer with a single battery. If hot-swap capability is required, a hot-swap
dongle can be purchase from Dell S&P. This dongle can be plugged into the DC-in port, allowing time to
replace the battery without powering the system down.
General
Why does my customer need a rugged notebook?
The upfront cost of a rugged notebook is higher than a commercial notebook but over a 5 year period, the
hard cost (purchase cost) is only 18% of the total cost of ownership (TCO). The monthly failure rate of a
commercial grade notebook is 3.6%, yet the failure rate of a rugged notebook is only .5%.
Why is the convertible flip better than the competition?
The convertible flip screen of the Rugged XFR 12 rotates on a horizontal axis vs. competitive convertible
flip screens that rotate on a vertical axis. By rotating on a horizontal axis, the screen orientation (top
and bottom) stays the same whether you are in a notebook or tablet mode. This is important especially if
the unit is docked, elevating the need to undock and rotate the whole base and re-dock.
When I think of rugged users, I think of both law enforcement and the military , but what other
vertical markets benefit from them?
You will find rugged products in all sorts of vertical markets, below is an example of key vertical areas
that use Dell rugged products.
Warranty & Services
Dell backs up the new Latitude Rugged Extreme family with a standard 3 year return to depot service
with available 4th and 5th years and ProSupport options. Return to depot service ensures that these
specialized products receive the attention of trained and specialized technicians that understand the
unique requirements of rugged products. For customers who need expedited repairs, Dell offers an
available Rapid Return for Repair service, which can cut repair times.
Rugged Testing and Construction
What is meant by “intrinsically safe” and which Dell Rugged products meet that specification?
“Intrinsically safe” is a hazardous location specification that means devices are tested and certified for
use in highly explosive or flammable environments. For notebooks and convertibles, the specification has
historically been UL1604 and has since been updated to ANSI/ISA.12.12.01 Class 1, Div 2. There is a
more stringent UL913 guideline that is geared towards small handheld devices.
The Latitude 14 Rugged Extreme and Latitude 12 Rugged Extreme both meet the intrinsically safe
certification requirements.
Note that while the systems are 100% designed for compliance to the certification, full-certification will
need to be specified at time of purchase so the necessary stickers can be applied at the factory. Without
these stickers, the system is not technically certified.
Dell business class Latitude notebooks are business-rugged and MIL-810G (Military standard test
suite) tested. How is this different from the testing and durability of Dell Rugged notebooks and
tablets?
It’s true that our business class Latitude line is tested against MIL-810G requirements, but only a subset
and to a limited extent. By no means are they tested to the extreme that Rugged products are tested.
Additionally business class Latitudes are tested, but not certified. Semi-rugged products are certified to
these MIL-STDs along with several others (including drop) and have at least an IP-5x ingress protection
rating. Fully rugged products are completely certified against all common MIL-810G requirements,
including more stringent drop requirements. Additionally, fully rugged products are certified to IP-65 for
ingress protection and are MIL-STD-461F and ANSI/ISA.12.12.01 capable.
What is the difference between fully rugged and semi-rugged?
Chassis strength is much greater with fully rugged devices, the overall level of protection is higher as
well. Fully rugged devices are fully MIL-810G certified. Semi-rugged devices are tested with a subset of
MIL-810G tests and limited range. (Example: Latitude 12 Rugged Extreme and 14 Rugged Extreme pass
a 6 foot drop test vs. a 30 inch drop that the E6430 ATG is tested at.
What materials are used in the construction of Dell’s rugged notebooks?
We use a wise combination of both magnesium alloy for strength and ultra-polymers for flexibility where
it’s needed. Magnesium alloy is rigid and is used for structural rigidity. Ultra-polymers are less brittle
and have higher impact-resistance, so are used in areas more likely to take shock.
Does rugged mean indestructible?
The short answer is no. Although Dell rugged products can withstand all sorts of abuse and extremes,
everything does have a breaking point. But Dell rugged can endure quite a bit more punishment then
commercial grade notebooks. Dell rugged products are designed to endure the conditions customers face
in the real world, but can be destroyed if subjected to unrealistically extreme scenarios.
What is QuadCool?
The Latitude Rugged Extreme family features the 5th generation QuadCool™ thermal management
technology. QuadCool is a fan-based cooling system that combines conductive cooling to pull heat away
from vital system components and channel it to an IP-65 sealed fan chamber. The fan chamber is fully
sealed, which means that dust and liquid are allowed to enter the chamber with no adverse effects, but
cannot enter the rest of the system.
Did you know there is a Rugged Strategic Program available to Dell PartnerDirect Partners?
Dell's new Rugged Strategic Partner Program is available to all PartnerDirect partners in good
standing.
Through your investment in training and sales enablement, you can receive an exclusive level of benefits,
including steeper discount levels- available only to participating Dell partners in this program.
Whether you currently sell Dell Rugged XFR/ATG units or would like to, the benefits are substantial for
those with the knowledge and passion to sell them. For more information, please visit:
www.dell.com/partner/rugged.
Who do I talk to for help?
For general rugged questions, please send your inquiry to: RuggedPartner@Dell.com
Or Contact your Dell Channel Account Manager or Account Executive
For additional rugged information including spec sheets, customer presentations, whitepapers and more,
please visit: www.dell.com/partner/rugged.